In April, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Nepal took the lives of more than 8,000 people and destroyed or damaged much of Kathmandu, the capital city. At the time of the earthquake, Truman had 39 Truman students who were from Nepal, with dozens of alumni and several others who had family there. While none of them reported the loss of immediate family, they were nevertheless devastated by the tragedy in their country. Many survivors, including some of Truman students’ families, lost their homes and livelihoods.

In response to this tragedy, the Truman State University Foundation created the Nepal Emergency Relief Fund to provide financial educational support for students who were impacted by the earthquake.

Alumni were contacted by email and through social media channels and were invited to help Truman provide stability to students who are trying to cope with the long-reaching impact of this tragedy. The Truman family has responded so far with gifts totaling more than $14,000 to the Foundation’s Nepal Emergency Relief Fund.

One specific alumnus, Daniel “Dan” Sem (’05), responded to the email to let the University know that he is on the ground in Nepal providing relief through a nonprofit organization he started in 2013 called Thirsty Ground International. This organization is working to supply food and water filtration devices to those who are in desperate need. Sem has been working with members of the Truman community to try and get additional assistance to the families of Truman students and alumni through his organization.

Those that wish to join other University alumni in supporting Truman Nepalese students can complete a gift online at nepalfund.truman.edu or contact the Advancement Office at (800) 452-6678.